1965 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 560 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Buick Riviera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 1965 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
